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At any time when I considered Sumatra, pictures of dense jungle, Orang Utans, the well-known Lake Toba or the rugged, rainforest-fringed volcanoes got here to my thoughts. Whereas researching locations in Indonesia which might be nonetheless unspoiled by tourism, I used to be much more stunned to return throughout this island paradise on the west coast of Sumatra.
Cubadak off Sumatra – an amazing insider tip
There is just one place to remain on Cubadak Island to date – a bungalow advanced with 14 picket cottages, one in every of them immediately above the water.
Since I’ve all the time been devoted to my favourite locations in Indonesia Bali and Flores and was in peril of going to the identical place and falling into the habits of a pensioner, I lastly pressured myself to attempt one thing new. Indonesia with its 17,000 islands has a lot to supply – one lifetime shouldn’t be sufficient to go to all of them!
Our approach to Cubadak Island
So in April 2019 we got down to discover Cubadak Island (Pulau Cubadak). From Jakarta we flew to Padang within the west of Sumatra. On the airport we have been picked up by a driver from the resort and drove a leisurely 2 hours by a hilly panorama stuffed with rice fields, jungle and coastal roads.
The Padang area is legendary throughout Indonesia for the idea of “Nasi Padang” – a restaurant the place quite a few chilly dishes are introduced in a glass showcase after which delivered to the desk on many small plates. You solely pay for what you eat – a really low-cost and scrumptious lunch, offered you may stand the spiciness, which shouldn’t be underestimated!
The motive force dropped us off at a harbour the place a small motorboat was already ready for us. The recent sea air was an actual deal with after greater than 5 hours of touring from Jakarta. After we and our baggage have been safely stowed away within the boat, our quick crossing started.
After about 200 meters Cubadak Island grew to become seen – a hilly island in the midst of the clearest blue-green sea. Our hosts picked us up on the resort’s personal jetty and led us to our bungalow – immediately on the shore, surrounded by coconut palms. When you now consider the Maldives with its paradise resorts, you’re mistaken: it might be the one place to remain on the island, however it’s extra on the country facet. The bungalows are manufactured from wooden and are spotlessly clear, however there may be, for instance, no air-con or fridge.
Collective meals for all
The homeowners defined to us that meals are introduced with a bell and brought within the restaurant open to the ocean at a big desk with all friends collectively. Over the following few days, we realized that the enjoyable issue of consuming will increase and reduces with how effectively you get on with different individuals. When you contemplate your self as a social, uncomplicated individual, you’ll definitely don’t have any issues with the collective meals. It’s additionally a very good alternative to speak to the opposite friends and share traveler tales.
Turtle(s) at sundown
The bungalows are to date aside from one another that you’ve got loads of privateness. We spent more often than not stress-free on the jetty and staring into the crystal-clear water (while consuming a chilly beer or two).
Our every day spotlight was recognizing sea turtles. It was truly attainable to see the turtles from the jetty. Day by day round 4.30 P.M. we noticed not less than two (possibly it was all the time the identical one although) turtles coming as much as the water floor to take a breath. Funnily sufficient we didn’t see a single one whereas snorkeling.
Snorkeling gear might be rented without spending a dime on the resort. There may be additionally a dive store the place you may guide dive excursions to discover the underwater world of the world. There may be no free wifi on the island (an element that many different friends criticized), however since we had Indonesian SIM playing cards, this was no downside for us. Possibly you may contemplate the non-existent wifi not as an absence however as an opportunity for a digital detox.
Cubadak Island: complete rest
It is extremely troublesome NOT to loosen up on Cubadak Island. The sound of the ocean, the swish-swish of the coconut bushes within the wind and the calls of the monkeys create a sound that’s nearly hypnotic. After two (of a complete of 4) days we have been so deeply relaxed that we puzzled how we might ever return to civilization.
To be able to not less than give ourselves the sensation of getting “performed” one thing, my boyfriend and I borrowed the canoe from the homeowners of the resort and took slightly paddle tour on the crystal-clear sea, which unfold out in entrance of us like a mirror (Spoiler alert: if you wish to check the soundness of your relationship, it is best to go paddling together with your accomplice). Moreover seeing the island from a distinct perspective and having the phantasm of an exercise, this “journey” gave us canoeing novices some laughs and mocking feedback from the opposite friends. Anyway, we had enjoyable!
Not likely beneficial for adrenaline junkies
One other exercise, should you don’t wish to spend the entire day mendacity round, studying and searching on the sea, is to climb to the island’s viewpoint. There are literally 2 viewpoints – one that’s about 20 minutes away from the resort and the next one which takes about 90 minutes to succeed in.
In line with the resort homeowners, the second choice is sweaty and exhausting – and since we have been already in rest mode anyway, we determined to go for the primary one. What we thought was a brief stroll quickly turned out to be an impediment course and sweaty exercise.
The trail up the hill consisted of short-term steps carved into the bottom, which have been of various heights, very steep and intensely slippery. One other issue is the omnipresence of a number of monkey households who have been very taken with us. We wanted two makes an attempt for our journey to the perspective, as a result of the primary time the whole monkey gang blocked the best way and didn’t allow us to move.
Once we lastly made it to the highest, we have been rewarded with a fantastic view over the island world of West Sumatra. The various totally different shades of inexperienced, blue and brown have been actually mesmerizing to take a look at. However we couldn’t loosen up too lengthy on the perspective, as we knew that we nonetheless had the best way down in entrance of us that might be lined with roughly inquisitive monkeys. However we made it down with none issues and rewarded ourselves with a really chilly beer for our handed journey.
Probably the most stunning factor about this island for me was the shut proximity to the wealthy wildlife. Generally possibly slightly TOO shut! One morning I stepped outdoors the door of our bungalow and in entrance of me stood a household of untamed boars. After a second of observing one another, I cautiously withdrew and watched them from inside. Virtually each day we noticed smaller and bigger monitor lizards preventing over the kitchen waste along with the wild boars and the omnipresent monkey gangs.
Jellyfish happen seasonally, however are slightly innocent
Through the first days, numerous carcasses of jellyfish shimmering in purple lined the seashores – a mysterious phenomenon I couldn’t perceive. The useless jellyfish have been then collected and burned by the janitor. Additionally within the sea whereas snorkeling we might see quite a few residing and useless jellyfish.
On the primary day I by accident brushed one out of the best way whereas swimming, which led to a painful burn on my hand – however after just a few hours and a dab of vinegar it was all good once more and didn’t cease me from persevering with to swim within the fantastic water (the jellyfish abundance decreased quickly after day 2). The proprietor knowledgeable us that black and white water snakes nested within the picket stilts on which the jetty was constructed. We have been fortunate sufficient to not encounter any of those wondrous creatures, that are toxic however supposedly docile.
The sky lights up in all shades of the rainbow
Each night round 5.00 P.M. we sat down on the jetty with a chilly drink and watched how the colors of the sky modified from mild blue to orange, pink, purple after which darkish blue – I simply NEVER become bored with this.
Key phrase boring: this island shouldn’t be the best place for individuals searching for an energetic vacation. There may be not a lot to do besides swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, diving and climbing up the hills – however there may be peace, quiet and tranquility as a lot as you need. I like to recommend it particularly for individuals who have maybe already performed a spherical journey of Indonesia and have already seen the opposite hotspots of Sumatra. It’s the excellent end result of a visit to Sumatra.
From Padang airport you may simply get to many different locations in Indonesia. There may be even a flight connection to Singapore. Two or three days on the island must be sufficient to recharge your batteries. Cubadak is a very uncomplicated, stunning little island for a fast break from civilization.
Concerning the writer
If she’s not doing yoga or racing round Indonesia on a motorbike, Lisa might be discovered near a turquoise seaside, ideally a glass of pink wine in her hand and sand between her toes. Having lived in Southeast Asia for greater than 4 years, she’s fallen deeply for this a part of the world – if solely there was extra ‘actual’ Pizza round! You possibly can comply with her travels and hunt for Pizza on Instagram: @lisa_asia
